Dear prospective Master Gardener:
Thank you for the interest in the MSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program. Enclosed is your registration packet. Please carefully read all the materials. Your packet should include:
• Application – complete and return to Kalamazoo MSU Extension office
• Criminal History Check Permission form - complete and return to Kalamazoo MSUE office • Class requirement information - read
• Master Gardener Policy statement – read, sign agreement page and return to Kalamazoo MSUE office
• MSU Extension Volunteer Reference form - ask 3 people who know you well, but aren't related, to complete & return form to the Kalamazoo MSUE office in the enclosed stamped envelopes, (may be friends, neighbors, co-workers). Total of three (3) references required.
• Scholarship information and application - optional; complete and return to the Kalamazoo MSUE office
Complete and return these forms as soon as possible, with your registration fee, since this paperwork is required for acceptance into the Master Gardener class, and spaces in the class are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. The class will be limited to 45 students. The fee is $300 and may be paid by cash or check (payable to MSU Extension). Class will be held on Tuesdays, beginning September 11, from 5:00 to 9:00 pm, in Coopers Glen auditorium at the Kalamazoo Nature Center, 7000 N. Westnedge and will continue through December 4 (save December 11 if needed for makeup). If you have any questions, please call Linda Whitlock at (269) 383-8815. Additional information
concerning the Extension Master Gardener volunteer program can be found at: http://msue.msu.edu/mastergardener. • Once your registration has been processed and accepted, you will be notified. At that time you may come to
the MSU Extension office and pick up your book prior to the first class at 3299 Gull Rd, 2nd wing, 4th floor, Room 410.
• Cancellation Policy – cancellation of registration may be made through Thursday, September 1 to receive a refund of your registration fee. No refunds will be available after that date.
If you have any questions regarding registration, handicap accommodations, or class attendance requirements, please call the MSU Extension office at (269) 383-8815 or 384-8830.
Sincerely,
Linda Whitlock, Coordinator
Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program MSU Extension, Kalamazoo County
PO Box 42
Nazareth, MI 49074-0042 Fax 269 384-8035 [email protected]
MSU Extension Volunteer Application Form
Legal Name:_____________________________________________________________________________________ (Last) (First) (Middle Initial) Mailing address:
____________________________________________________________________________________ (Street) (City) (Zip Code) Email Address: ________________________@_______________________________________________
This will be the main way we contact students
Telephone: Day (_____)_____________ Evening (_____)____________ Cell (____)________________ Circle the best way to reach you.
Do you have a valid driver’s license? ____ Yes ____ No
Do you have a valid automobile insurance policy? ____ Yes ____ No Why do you want to be an MSU Extension volunteer?
____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________
Briefly describe your volunteer experience, work you may have done with youth, vulnerable adults, community groups and any training you may have received.
________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
Please list your interests and skills (for example: drama, food and nutrition, computers, photography, horticulture, leadership, natural resources, marine and water resources, community service, career development, etc.). Feel free to list any others.
________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
Have you ever been turned down as a volunteer with an organization? ____ Yes ____No If yes, please explain:
________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
Have you applied to become a volunteer (or have you volunteered) in any other organization? ____ Yes ____ No If yes, please explain:
________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
How did you hear about the Master Gardener Volunteer Program? (For example: web site, newspaper, radio, email, from a friend or relative, etc.)
________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
Please provide three completed reference forms (see next page) along with your application. References may include business associates, employers or friends. (Do not use relatives.) Be sure you include persons who can provide information about your qualifications and suitability for working as a volunteer with MSU Extension programs.
I understand that my enrollment as a volunteer is contingent upon successful completion of the application process. I give my permission for the above named references to release information about me and for my criminal history to be verified.
I agree to serve as a volunteer in the Michigan State University Extension Master Gardener Program. I understand that either party may cancel this relationship at any time.
I certify that the above information is correct. I agree to inform MSUE of any changes.
_______________________________________________ _____________________
Signature Date
- - -
Paid by Check Make check payable to MSU Extension Check Number____________________
Paid by Cash
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.
NOTE TO APPLICANT: make 3 copies of this form (2 pages) and ask 3 people to
complete. They should send the completed form to the Master Gardener Coordinator for review.
MSU Extension Volunteer Reference Form
is applying to become an MSU Extension volunteer. To serve in this capacity, the applicant will be trained by MSU staff during extensive classroom training. To become a Master Gardener volunteer, the applicant must then share this knowledge with others throughout their community. He or she has given your name as a reference, with approval for you to release information about him or her.
MSU Extension seeks your help in providing information about people to serve in volunteer roles and will appreciate your prompt completion of this reference form. Please return it in the enclosed, preaddressed, stamped envelope.
Use this checklist to evaluate the applicant's qualities. Use the following marking system: E = Excellent G = Good F = Fair U = Unknown
___Understanding children ___Ability to organize ___Flexibility ___Dependability ___Sense of humor ___Resourcefulness ___Enthusiasm ___Honesty ___ Communication skills ___Sense of fairness ___Patience ___Initiative ___Respect for others ___Understanding persons with disabilities ___Ability to complete a task
Share your impression and knowledge of the applicant's qualifications for the position by using specific examples where possible.
1. How long have you known him or her and in what capacity?
_____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ 2. Please comment about this person’s ability to work with young people or vulnerable adults.
_____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ 3. Please comment about his or her sense of responsibility and follow-through on commitments.
_____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________
4. Please comment about this person’s leadership skills, organizational skills, people skills, etc.
_____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ 5. Are there any reasons why you feel this person would be an unsuitable volunteer to be working with youth
and/or adults with disabilities?
_____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ 6. Would you be comfortable having your child or individuals you know, under this person’s guidance? Why?
_____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ 7. Has this person ever been convicted of a crime of which you are aware?
_____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ 8. Any other comments? Please attach an additional sheet if you need more space.
_____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ Date: _______________________________
Name (please print):_______________________________________________________________________ Signature: _______________________________________________________________________________ Daytime phone: ( )______________________ email address: _________________________________
Reference: Please return this form to - Linda Whitlock, Coordinator Master Gardener Volunteer Program
MSU Extension, Kalamazoo County PO Box 42
Nazareth, MI 49074-0042 Or fax to Linda Whitlock at 269-384-8035
Thank you!
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status
MSU Extension Criminal History Check Permission Form
(To protect your privacy, this form will be seen only by Michigan State University Extension staff.)_____________________________________________________________________________________ Last Name (Please print) First Name Middle Initial Race : _____ White ____ Black ____ Asian or Pacific Islander
_____ Unknown/Other ____ American Indian or Alaskan Native Gender: Male Female
Date of Birth:________________________________________________________ Month Date Year
Michigan Driver’s License Number: _________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________ Other Last Name Other First Name Other Middle Initial
_____________________________________________________________________________________ Other Last Name Other First Name Other Middle Initial
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Other Last Name Other First Name Other Middle Initial
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor? _ No Yes
If yes, please explain: __________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ I give Michigan State University Extension permission to check my criminal history with state and local police
as well as with any jurisdictions in other states in which I have lived. Signature _______ ___________ Date____________________
NOTE: A criminal record will not necessarily disqualify an applicant. A criminal record is one piece of
information that will be considered in determining the appropriateness of an individual to be an MSU Extension volunteer.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status
Revised 10/2003
1
Master Gardener Course Requirements
To Receive A Letter of Class Completion (Educational Component):
Attendance: Students are allowed to miss only one of the class sessions. You may
make-up a missed class by attending in another county. A schedule of area classes will be available.
Class points: 100 possible from 10 take-home quizzes
100 points possible from final
200 total x 70% required for passing =140 points
All quizzes will be take-home and open book. They are due back by the next class period.
Final exam: Notes may also be used. Final exam will be take home and due 30 days after final class.
Full Refund: A full refund will be given if a student withdraws no later than 5:00 pm by
the registration deadline date and no MG Manual has been issued.
To Receive Master Gardener Basic Certification (Certificate):
• Complete the above class requirements (education component)•
Complete 40 hours of approved community volunteer service projects within one calendar year (volunteer component)o 20 hours msut be completed in approved projects in Kalamazoo County
Revised 10/2003
2
Acceptance of Master Gardener Policy
I have read and understand the Michigan State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteer policy statement and standards of behavior outlined above. I agree to comply with the guidelines and fulfill the commitments required. I also understand that failure to comply with the above guidelines and policies may result in expulsion from the program at the discretion of the Master Gardener Coordinator.
Name: County:
Address:
City: State: Zip:
Email: Daytime phone: ( )
**Signature: Date:
**Please read the Master Gardener policy on the following pages; sign this page and return it with your application. Thank you .
Revised 10/2003 3
Master Gardener Policy Statement
Every Master Gardener Volunteer trainee is asked to read and sign a copy of the Master Gardener Volunteer Program policy statement. This policy statement describes the two
requirements necessary for achieving Master Gardener Volunteer status: the educational training course and the volunteer commitment. It also explains the requirements for annual recertification and how to become active when you have been inactive for one or more years. Additional important information in the policy statement is Master Gardener Volunteer liability coverage and the MSU Extension policy regarding criminal history background checks for all volunteers.
Finally, the policy statement contains a Standards of Behavior section that every Master Gardener Volunteer trainee must agree to follow.
If you have not already read and signed a copy of the Master Gardener Volunteer Program policy statement, please do so now. A copy of the policy statement follows.
Michigan State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program
Policy Statement Mission
Biological environments are essential to life. Michigan State University is a primary provider of plant research and education, dedicated to the preservation and enrichment of life. The Master Gardener Volunteer Program, available to all citizens of Michigan, is designed to develop a cadre of Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) volunteers trained in horticulture. Their knowledge and skills related to basic plant science and home gardening enables these volunteers to improve the quality of life in their communities. This is accomplished by increasing people's appreciation for and use of plants and by providing them with instruction on growing plants using environmentally sound practices.
Qualifications
An individual interested in becoming a Master Gardener Volunteer must possess the following qualifications:
• A strong interest in horticulture and home gardening.
• Willingness and availability to undertake extensive training in
consumer horticulture practices.
• Willingness and ability to provide 40 hours of horticulture-related
volunteer community service as approved by MSUE.
• Ability to communicate and share knowledge effectively and
diplomatically with others.
• Willingness to support MSUE staff in giving citizens up-to-date
consumer horticulture information.
Revised 10/2003 4 Educational Training Course
County Master Gardener Volunteer Programs will offer the following core training classes: Orientation to MSUE and Master Gardener Volunteer Program
Plant Science
Soils for Plant Growth Flower Gardening Lawn Care Vegetable Culture Small Fruit Culture Tree Fruit Culture Woody Ornamentals
Integrated Pest Management Indoor Plants
Household Pests
MSU Extension provides the formal training program. Instructors are Extension staff members, experienced Master Gardener Volunteers and other experts.
The training program provides a balanced, integrated, practical course in plant science. Special topics, based on local needs, may be added. Core training is held during 2-to3-month period, with follow-up training or in-service provided during the year according to local needs and resources.
Attendance: Each Master Gardener Volunteer trainee is expected to attend every classroom session. If a participant misses more than one session and does not arrange to make up the session, he or she cannot become a certified Master Gardener Volunteer.
Examination and quizzes: To become a Master Gardener Volunteer, trainees will take weekly quizzes and must pass a final examination with a score of 70 percent or better. The final examination, a take-home test, emphasizes an individual's ability to gather accurate information from class notes and other reference material. This emphasis on problem-solving techniques and resources will help Master Gardener Volunteers as they give horticultural assistance to others.
Volunteer Commitment
The Master Gardener Volunteer training course consists of a minimum of 40 hours of core instruction and 40 hours of volunteer work, in horticulture/gardening-related activities. The purpose of the volunteer requirement is to extend MSU Extension’s educational programs in the areas of horticulture, gardening and small-scale food production.
These horticulture/gardening activities that count toward Master Gardener Volunteer certification must have educational value for others and be nonpaying for the Master Gardener Volunteer. The volunteer will provide reliable and accurate information to the public from requests received via telephone, office visits or letter inquiries and by use of displays, classes and workshops in matters related to home gardening.
At the discretion of each county Master Gardener Volunteer coordinator, 20 of the required 40 volunteer hours will be spent working on projects related to horticulture in Kalamazoo County.
Revised 10/2003 5
Documentation: It is the responsibility of the Master Gardener Volunteer trainee to document his/her time and report that time in the Master Gardener Volunteer online database.
Time limits: An individual has one year from the end of the Master Gardener Volunteer training course to complete the required 40 volunteer hours.
Certification
Participants receive Master Gardener Volunteer certification after successful completion of the educational training course and the volunteer requirement. Certificates and name badges are awarded.
Recertification
A Master Gardener Volunteer may recertify for participation in the program for another year by:
• Providing a minimum 15 hours of MSUE-approved volunteer service
each year; and:
• Completing 5 additional hours of horticulture training each year. All
educational programs sponsored by MSU and others must be
approved by the county Master Gardener Volunteer coordinator. Full
credit, hour for hour, will be issued for attending MSUE programs, state
and international Master Gardener conferences and MSU courses.
Courses not sponsored by MSU will be awarded one-half hour credit
for each hour of class time.
Inactive Status
An inactive Master Gardener Volunteer is one who is unable to commit to the annual
recertification requirement of 15 volunteer hours and five hours of horticulture training.
For recertification, a Master Gardener Volunteer who has been inactive for one to three
years must attend five hours of acceptable horticulture training for each year of inactive
status. He/she must also provide 15 hours of volunteer service for each year of inactive
status.
To be recertified, a Master Gardener Volunteer on inactive status for more than three years is required to:
• Retake the basic Master Gardener Volunteer core training to assure that his/her knowledge base is current, and:
• Provide 40 hours of volunteer service to the county MSU Extension office.
Out-of-State Transfers
Master Gardeners who are certified in another state may be admitted to a Michigan Master Gardener Volunteer Program by meeting the following criteria:
Revised 10/2003 6
• Score a minimum 70 percent on the take-home exam administered by
MSUE. The test emphasizes an individual's ability to gather accurate
information.
• Comply with the recertification process.
Criminal History Background CheckAs a policy of MSU Extension, a criminal history background check must be run for any Master Gardener Volunteer who will be volunteering under the following circumstance:
When working with children or impaired adults the volunteer will be alone, without
another adult present for more than 15 minutes.
Guidelines
The title, MSUE Master Gardener Volunteer, is to be used only and exclusively by individuals trained and certified to help MSUE. The title is valid only when the volunteer is participating in the Michigan Master Gardener Volunteer Program.
Training and experience gained by participating in the Michigan Master Gardener Volunteer Program are valuable, and may rightfully be listed as qualifications when seeking employment. Employed Master Gardener Volunteers are allowed to display credentials at their place of business.
On Master Gardener Volunteer speaking engagements, it is appropriate to receive payment for expenses only, such as supplies and mileage. If an honorarium is offered, it may be accepted and given to the county Master Gardener Volunteer Program.
Master Gardener Volunteers do not give specific recommendations for use of fertilizers and pesticides. Master Gardener Volunteers must encourage others to follow label recommendations included with all products.
Standards of Behavior
The standards of behavior are a contractual agreement accepted by volunteers who commit to the MSU Extension Master Gardener Program. These standards guide the volunteers’ behavior during their involvement with the Master Gardener Volunteer Program.
Just as it is a privilege for MSU Extension to work with those who volunteer their time and talents to the Master Gardener Program, a volunteer’s involvement in the program is a privilege and a responsibility, not a right.
The MSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program provides unbiased, research-based educational programs accessible to all Michigan residents. The primary purpose of the standards of behavior is to ensure the safety and well-being of all Master Gardener Volunteer Program participants (i.e., target audiences, professionals and volunteers.)
Master Gardener Volunteers are expected to function within the guidelines of Michigan State University, MSU Extension and the MSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program.
Revised 10/2003 7
While volunteering as an MSU Extension volunteer, I promise I will:
• Accept responsibility to represent Kalamazoo County and MSU Extension programs with dignity and pride by being a positive role model.
• Respect, adhere to, and enforce the rules, policies and guidelines established by Kalamazoo County and MSU Extension programs, and be courteous and respectful in dealings with other program participants.
• Abstain from, and not, tolerate physical or verbal abuse. • Comply with equal opportunity and anti-discrimination laws. • Avoid criminal activities.
• Refrain from using alcohol and other drugs in an illegal or inappropriate manner. • Operate machinery, vehicles and other equipment in a responsible manner. • Report a violation of the Code of Conduct of which I am aware
Revised 10/2003 8
Master Gardener Volunteer Program
Kalamazoo County
Scholarship Information
Michigan State University Extension is offering several partial scholarships to help defray the $300 fee for
the Kalamazoo County Master Gardener class.
Scholarship awards will be based on financial need and community service plans. Applicants must fill out
the Scholarship Application and return it to the Kalamazoo County MSU Extension office with your
application and full registration fee. You must be registered for the class to apply for a scholarship.
If you are awarded a scholarship, you will be refunded the amount of the scholarship award upon
completion of your Basic certification as a Master Gardener.
Please fill out the enclosed scholarship application and mail it to the address on the bottom of the
application. The information provided on the application will help determine the scholarship award, and
will be kept confidential. A selection committee made up of MSU Extension personnel will determine the
recipients.
Revised 10/2003 9
